Life Safety Systems in Buildings

A life safety system is a fire safety system that: Is designed and installed primarily or exclusively to
prevent the loss of life during the course of a fire. Is not intended to protect property or ensure business
continuity. Is designed and installed to provide early warning of a fire event to effect life safety.
The history of Fire Fighting
The history of firefighting in ancient Rome dates back to Augustus' 3rd century rule. Marcus Licinius
Crassus created the first Roman fire brigade, consisting of 500 firefighters who rushed to burning
buildings. If Crassus couldn't negotiate a satisfactory price, they let the structure burn.
The origins of fire protection engineering can be traced back to Ancient Rome. After a devastating fire
that destroyed nearly half the city, the Emperor Nero directed that the city be rebuilt utilizing passive fire
Firefighting, activity directed at limiting the spread of fire and extinguishing it, particularly as performed
by members of organizations (fire services or fire departments) trained for the purpose. Firefighting type
of management indicates a more reactive and corrective approach to every problem that occurs on the
floor. It can even mean ignoring the actual planning and priorities established because the person in
charge has a feeling of urgency to react and fix the problems that arise.
Classification of fire
Class A Fire
Class A fires are the most common type of fire. They are produced from common combustible materials
including wood, paper, fabric, rubber, and plastic. Class A fires have relatively low ignition temperatures,
and once the fuel or oxygen has been depleted, the fire will burn out. A garbage fire is one example of
Class A fires. Generally speaking, if the fire leaves ash behind, it’s likely a Class A Fire. Water and foam
agents are most often used when fighting Class A fires.
Class B Fire
Class B fires occur when flammable liquids or gases such as alcohol, kerosene, paint, gasoline, methane,
oil-based coolants, or propane ignite. Class B fires are most common in industrial settings, but they may
also occur in residential or commercial settings. Class B fires have a low flashpoint, which means they
burn easily at any temperature if exposed to a fire source. Class B fires also spread rapidly and produce a
thick black smoke as they burn.
Class C Fire
Class C fires are those fires that have live electrical currents or electrical equipment as a source of fuel.
Such fuel sources could include electric tools, appliances, motors, and transformers. Class C fires are
most common in industrial settings that deal with energy or electrically-powered equipment, like wind
turbines. However, Class C fires can also occur in commercial or residential settings due to issues like
faulty wiring. Electrical fires cannot be fought with water—in fact, it can make it worse. Instead, a non-
conductive chemical agent, including clean agents, should be used to put out the flames.

Class D Fire
Class D fires describe those fires that occur with a combustible metal fuel source. Common combustible
metals include aluminum, lithium, magnesium, potassium, titanium, and zirconium. These types of
combustible metals are most often used in laboratories and in manufacturing, so the biggest danger for
Class D fires occurs in these industries.

Progression of Fire
Compartment fire development can be described as being comprised of four stages: incipient, growth,
fully developed and decay. Flashover is not a stage of development, but simply a rapid transition between
the growth and fully developed stages.

A successful passive fire protection strategy involves reviewing construction materials for their ability to
inhibit the passage of flames. This ensures the right levels of protection for a building in the event of a
fire, in line with stringent building and construction regulations.
Building Construction Types
Type 1: Fire-resistive: High-rise buildings made of concrete and protected steel
Type 2: Non-combustible: Newer buildings with tilt-slab or reinforced masonry walls and a metal roof
Type 3: Ordinary: New or old buildings with non-combustible walls but a wood-framed roof
Type 4: Heavy Timber: Older buildings made from thick lumber
Type 5: Wood-framed: Modern buildings with combustible framing and roofs
Fire Damage in a Building
Fire damage can take many forms, including water damage, smoke damage, and structural damage. When
the heat of a fire weakens a building's structure, structural damage can occur, leading to the collapse of
walls and ceilings.
Fire and smoke protection
Building codes rely on fire and smoke protection features to safeguard the public from fire and other
hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency
responders during emergency operations. One aspect of this protection is based on limiting the movement
of fire, along with the associated smoke and toxic gases, through the building using a compartmentation
approach. This includes requiring fire-resistance-rated fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke
barriers, shaft enclosures and horizontal assemblies to be provided to limit the spread of fire. It also
includes requirements designed to limit the movement of smoke and toxic gases through the building
using smoke barriers and partitions. This passive protection is an integral part of the overall safety scheme
included in the codes.
Fire Door
A fire door is a door with a fire-resistance rating (sometimes referred to as a fire protection rating for
closures) used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between
separate compartments of a structure and to enable safe egress from a building or structure or ship. In
North American building codes, it, along with fire dampers, is often referred to as a closure, which can be
derated compared against the fire separation that contains it, provided that this barrier is not a firewall or
an occupancy separation.
Fire and Smoke Damper
A fire damper is designed to, and required to, close automatically upon detection of heat (such as a fusible
link or heat detector) and to interrupt airflow and to restrict the passage of flame. Fire dampers are
required to close against the maximum calculated airflow of that portion of the system in which they are
installed.
Smoke damper’s primary function is to control the movement of smoke in dynamic air distribution
systems, and they reduce the possibility of smoke transfer within ductwork or through wall openings.
They are installed in ducts passing through, or air outlet openings terminating at, smoke barriers, shaft
walls, horizontal exit walls, corridor walls, corridor ceilings, and other barriers designed to resist the
spread of smoke as required by a building or life safety code and other applicable standards.

Fire Resistance Rating

F\Fire resistance rating (FRR) is the time in minutes or hours for which the construction material
or assemblies have withstood a standard fire exposure, under specific test conditions. The fire-
resistance rating of a building element is dependent on the following factors:
 FRL or test results of the product.
 The type of construction material used for making the element.
 The location of the element and its proximity to other building elements during a fire
incident. For example, it can be floors, roofs, columns, walls, or beams.
 Presence of non-combustible components near the building element.
The FRR of a material is measured on the basis of three criteria:
 Structural adequacy: This is the stability test where the material continues to bear loads for
the duration of the test.
 Integrity: This stage measures the material’s ability to stay intact without cracks or fissures
when they catch fire.
 Insulation: This stage measures the ability of the material to slow the spread of heat from
one side to the other.
Class A-B-C Roof Coverings
Class A fire testing is considered severe fire test exposure, while Class B is considered moderate fire test
exposure, and Class C is considered light fire test exposure. Under all of these tests, roof coverings afford
a level of fire protection (severe for A, moderate for B, and light for C) to the roof deck, do not slip from
position, and are not expected to produce flying brands. These tests are conducted on either combustible
or non-combustible roof decks.
Smoke Development Rating
The smoke development rating tells you how much smoke is produced over a period of time.

What Is Flame Spread Rating?

Flame spread rating measures how fast and far a flame spreads over a certain material. Testing
for flame spread rating involves burning materials under controlled conditions and measuring the
speed and extent of flame spread. The resulting number is the flame spread index. Flame spread
ratings range from an index of 0-200, with Class A being the best with an index of 0-25, Class B
with an index of 26-75, and Class C with an index of 76-200. Lower classes (indices higher than
25) indicate that flames spread more quickly and covered a greater distance than compared to
Class A flame spread rated material.

ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION AND SUPPRESSION

Active Fire Protection
Active fire protection systems include hoses, water spray, deluge, sprinklers, firewater monitors, and
steam rings around flanges. In most cases the principal firefighting medium is water. However, other
agents such as carbon dioxide can also be used.
Standpipe System
Standpipe systems consist of piping and hose connections installed throughout a building to provide
reliable water for the manual suppression of a fire by either the fire department or trained personnel.
Much like automatic fire sprinklers, standpipes are built into the initial construction of a building. They
are installed in the stairways of buildings that exceed a certain height or size, but can sometimes be
located throughout the walls of the entire structure, providing coverage on every floor. These standpipes
provide water flow to hose valves, which, much like fire hydrants, firefighters can connect fire hoses too.
Much like fire hydrants, firefighters can utilize this connection to spray water from the building’s main
water source from any floor they may need to.
Types of Standpipe Systems

 Wet system- Here, water is in the pipes at all times and is supplied by a water source. The pressure in
the system is constantly maintained.

 Automatic dry standpipe- Here, there is always air stored inside the standpipe at a constant pressure.
When a hose valve is opened, the air escapes allowing the water to enter into the standpipe system.
 Semi-automatic dry standpipe. In this system, air is stored inside the pipes, which can be pressurized
or not be pressurized. Once an actuation device such as a manual pull station or an electrical switch
is activated, water then enters the system.
 Manual dry standpipe. This type of system has only pipes feeding the system with no air or water in
them. A fire apparatus must be used to supply the water through the standpipe.
Three Classes of Standpipes
 A Class 1 standpipe is designed for firefighting personnel only as it is equipped with just a 2½-inch
outlet.This outlet can be in a stairwell, in a cabinet in the hallway, or standing alone by an I-beam in
an open area. The outlets provided with this class of standpipe can also vary in design. Some will
have a pressure-reducing device/valve attached to it to help regulate the discharged pressure from the
system.

 A Class 2 standpipe is designed for building occupants only. This standpipe system houses 100 feet
of 1½-inch hose attached to a reduced standpipe outlet. The Class 2 system allows occupants to
safely escape the area of concern using the hose to provide a safe passage way by protecting the
means of egress; it is not designed for fighting fires. Firefighters can hook up to this type of
standpipe, but it would involve undoing the occupant hose system and exposing the standpipe’s 2½-
inch outlet or securing the 1½-inch outlet and then using an adaptor to go up to a 2½-inch hose
 connection. For the fire departments that still use 1½- or 1¾-inch high-rise hose kits, they can
connect directly to the 1½-inch outlet.

 A Class 3 standpipe is a hybrid version of Class 1 and 2 . It contains an exposed 2½-inch outlet as
well as occupant hose. These types of standpipe systems are very common in buildings where
occupant load is consistent daily. t only has one valve, but the option is there to supply a 2½- or a
1½-inch hose

AUTOMATIC FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Automatic fire suppression systems are equipped with advanced fire detection technology that enables
immediate fire detection. These systems utilize sensors, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, or flame
detectors, to identify the presence of a fire.
Conventional sprinkler systems
Conventional sprinkler systems are designed to control a fire and pre-wet the surrounding area until it can
become extinguished by the fire department or trained fire brigade. The sprinkler heads are smaller than
ESFR heads and are designed to discharge lower pressures and flows.
Types of Conventional Automatic Sprinkler systems
 Wet Pipe System
In a wet pipe fire sprinkler system, the piping system and sprinklers are under water pressure. When a
heat-sensitive trigger on a sprinkler is activated (at a temperature of 155 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit) the
sprinkler turns on, and water is sprayed into the space. The most common type of sprinkler system, the
wet pipe system is fast-acting, and puts out fires in their early stages. One of the most appealing features
of this system is that each of the sprinkler heads acts independently. This means that in a small fire the
water damage is limited.
Pros: Easy to maintain and install; less expensive than other systems.
Cons: Not suitable for freezing environments.

 Dry Pipe System

Unlike a wet pipe system, there is no water in a dry pipe system until there is a fire. Instead of water, the
pipes are filled with air, making them “dry.” When the heat-sensitive elements of a sprinkler are
activated, the sprinklers open and the air in the pipes escapes. The pressurized water then flows through
the pipes as the air leaves the system. This type of fire sprinkler system takes longer to begin releasing
water than a wet pipe system; however, a dry pipe system can be more practical in cold climates, where
wet pipes might freeze in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros: Works best in environments where pipes are more likely to freeze.
Cons: More difficult to install and requires more maintenance.
 Pre-action System
The pre-action fire sprinkler system is a specific type of dry pipe system. Air is held in the pipes, and
upon activation, the sprinklers open allowing air and then water to flow through the pipes. Pre-action
systems are distinct from typical dry pipe systems because they have a second level of verification, which
must be activated to release the water into the pipes. The water in pre-action systems is held back from
the pipes by a valve which is controlled by a second sensor. This sensor is distinct from the sensors built
into the sprinklers, so both must be activated to release the water.
Pros: Ideal for buildings which house valuable materials.
Cons: Slower reaction time; most expensive system.
 Deluge System
Typically used in high-hazard areas, deluge systems are unique in that all sprinkler heads remain open at
all times. Their detection system may combine the use of heat or smoke detectors. Once triggered, a valve
connected to a water supply is lifted and water will spray from all heads at once, flooding the entire area
of a fire. These systems are dramatic and extremely effective, especially in places such as aircraft hangers
or warehouses, where flammable materials are stored and likely to spread rapidly.
Pros: Covers large areas quickly.
Cons: May require a strong water supply and additional maintenance.
Automatic Sprinkler
An automatic sprinkler is a fire-suppression or fire-control device that operates automatically when the
heat-activated element reaches its operating temperature. This occurs when the ambient air temperature
rises to or above the sprinkler's specific temperature rating. An automatic fire sprinkler is a fire protection
system designed to detect a fire and release a flow of water on or under an automatic basis. Automatic fire
sprinklers are used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings as a passive fire protection
measure.
What is an Automatic Sprinkler and how does it work?
 An Automatic Fire Sprinkler System is designed to contain and control an unfriendly fire allowing your
family the precious time needed to escape from danger and decrease the amount of damage to your
valuables from heat and smoke.
How do sprinklers operate?
The typical sprinkler head consists of a plug held in place by a trigger mechanism. The most common
type of trigger is a glass ampule filled with a glycerin-based liquid that expands when heated. 155º As
soon as the trigger mechanism is heated to the required temperature, it trips and the water is released.
Sprinkler Layout
When designing an automatic fire sprinkler system there are a few options for how to arrange the piping.
This decision affects the sprinkler system in a few different ways. It changes how the water flows from
the water source to the sprinkler, how the system is calculated, and the components used. There are also
limitations on when some of these arrangements can be used.
Basic Steps of Fire Sprinkler System design
 Identifying and evaluating the water supply
Sprinkler system design begins with water— everything else depends on having enough of it ready to
control a fire. NFPA 13 requires an automatic water supply for sprinkler systems , meaning that the water
will flow through sprinkler heads without any human intervention. Whatever the source, it must have
sufficient capacity for fire control . The factors that determine capacity include flow rate (in gallons per
minute, GPM), pressure (in pounds per square inch, PSI), and duration (how long it can maintain the
required pressure and flow). For a municipal water supply, capacity is determined with a flow test
performed at nearby fire hydrants.
 Determining what kind of sprinkler system the building needs
If the first step of sprinkler system design is knowing the water supply, the second is understanding the
building. Sprinkler system designers sit down with the architectural and engineering plans to sort out just
what the building needs from a sprinkler system. Is it a residential structure? Industrial? How significant
is the fuel load? Will it have climate control? As mentioned, NFPA 13 is the go-to standard for
commercial sprinkler system design. NFPA 13-compliant systems are defined by full sprinkler coverage.
The standard is typically used in commercial facilities—offices, mercantile spaces, warehouses, industrial
buildings, etc. Most buildings simply use a wet sprinkler system in which water fills the pipes at all times.
As soon as a sprinkler head operates, water flows. Structures like parking garages where freezing is a
concern need dry pipe systems, so named for the absence of water in the pipes. A dry valve, held shut by
a pressurized gas, stops the water in an insulated section of the pipe until its needed. When a sprinkler
head activates, the gas depressurizes, the dry valve opens, and water flows.
 Identifying the hazard level of the building and the protection required
How much water does it take to control a fire? This depends on many factors, including the size of the
fire and the type of fuel. Three conceptual tools help designers plan systems that can produce sufficient
water flow and pressure: occupancy hazard, design area, and density/area curves.
Occupancy hazard
NFPA 13 groups buildings or portions of buildings into occupancy hazards, helping designers estimate
the fuel load and thus the water demands. The assignment of an occupancy hazard depends on several
factors explained in NFPA 13:
NFPA 13’s hazard classifications are:

 Light Hazard
 Ordinary Hazard (Group 1)
 Ordinary Hazard (Group 2)
 Extra Hazard (Group 1)
 Extra Hazard (Group 2)
 Special occupancy hazard (including storage)

Design area
The design area concept lets designers select a worst-case scenario part of their building to base the whole
system around. As with hazard level, “worst-case scenario” refers to hydraulics. The design area is a
“hydraulically challenging” location, usually because of high elevation and/or its distance from the fire
sprinkler riser. The design area concept is used because it would be impractical to supply every fire
sprinkler with water at once.
Density/area curves
Designers use the hazard level and design area to determine how much water they need with density/area
curves. “How much water” means water density—gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft2). When
designers know the hazard level of their building and the size of the design area, they can use the density-
area curves (19.3.3.1.1) provided by NFPA 13 to determine the exact required water density.

 Picking and laying out sprinkler heads

To know how much density a sprinkler can deliver, a designer must first determine the area it covers.
They follow guidelines from NFPA 13 to ensure that sprinklers cover an appropriate amount of space.
The max distance is 15 ft., but this is reduced in many situations. Whatever distance between sprinklers is
allowed, the heads can be no more than half that distance from the walls. So, the max length from a
sprinkler to a wall is 7.5 ft. Designers mark the location of sprinklers and pipes on the plans based on
these rules and then determine how much space each head protects according to NFPA 13’s rules. There
is a limit to how much floor space one sprinkler can reasonably cover. The biggest possible value is 225
ft.2, but this is only applicable in noncombustible unobstructed spaces. (And note that different types of
sprinklers, such as extended coverage, have different rules and values.)

Protection area, As is calculated with the formula As=S x L

 The distance to the closest sprinkler

 Twice the distance to the closest obstruction or wall
The value of L is determined in the same way but perpendicular to the branch line (e.g., in the direction of
the next branch line).

 Choosing and laying out pipe

The flow test only tells designers how much pressure is available from the source and at the base of the
system riser. They have less to work with at the sprinkler heads because of head loss. Head loss is the
loss of pressure due to resistance as fluid flows in pipes from its source to its destination. Three kinds of
resistance create head loss—gravity, friction, and turbulence. Designers can’t fight the effects of gravity
unless they use pumps; no matter the pipes’ diameter, 0.433 psi is lost for every vertical foot. But they
can and do select pipes, fittings, and devices to reduce the head loss from friction and turbulence.

 Pipe selection and friction loss

The friction of water against the walls of the pipe fights against the pressure from the water supply. The
size of the friction force depends on three factors:

 The rate of flow (q)

 The empirical roughness of the pipes (C; small C means rough pipe)
 The diameter of the pipes (d)

 Devices and fittings and turbulence loss

Turbulence also creates pressure loss. Devices (such as valves) and fittings (like elbows and tees) create
turbulence that, in turn, decreases the amount of pressure available downstream. Turbulence occurs when
water is forced to change direction or pass through small orifices.

Tree Sprinkler System

Sometimes called “dead-end systems”. They are the most basic system of sprinkler pipe layout. In a tree
system, the cross mains and the branch lines are only tied together at a single point, which means there is
only one path for the water to flow to an operating sprinkler. They are often used in small systems or
systems with good water pressure. They are the least efficient type of sprinkler system with regards to
friction loss in the piping, but they are the simplest to install. The hydraulic calculations associated with
tree systems are the most basic and can be done by hand. Since there is less piping, the installation of this
system might cost less than the other types of piping arrangements, but since water only has one path to
the sprinkler, it requires greater flow and pressure. One additional consideration is that if you are
designing using the pipe schedule method, the layout must be a tree-type layout, but this is uncommon.
Looped Sprinkler System
NFPA 13 defines a looped sprinkler system as “a sprinkler system in which multiple cross mains are tied
together so as to provide more than one path for water to flow to an operating sprinkler and branch lines
are not tied together.” In other words, the cross main pipe makes a loop, and the branch lines extend away
from the loop. The big difference between a looped and gridded system is that in a looped system the
branch lines lead to a dead end, while in a gridded system the branch lines are connected to the cross main
on both ends. This means that for a looped system the water has two paths to travel until it hits the branch
line, then it only has one path leading to an activated sprinkler. A looped sprinkler system possesses
better hydraulic characteristics than a tree system. While looped systems hydraulically perform better
than tree systems, their hydraulic characteristics are not as good as those of a gridded system. The
hydraulic calculations associated with a looped system are not as complicated as those for a gridded
system but more complicated than those for a tree. Additionally, looped systems do not have the same
limitations and design considerations as gridded systems have.

Gridded Sprinkler System

According to NFPA 13, a gridded sprinkler system is one in which “parallel cross mains are connected by
multiple branch lines, causing an operating sprinkler to receive water from both ends of its branch line while
other branch lines help transfer water between cross mains.”
Gridded sprinkler systems are designed to provide more than one flow path to the sprinklers on branch lines.
This multiple-path design reduces the potential for pressure loss through the system piping compared with
other system configurations. Due to the complex nature of the hydraulic calculations involved, the use of
computer hydraulic programs is almost always necessary in evaluating the piping grid and determining the
pressure requirements of gridded systems. Although the gridded system possesses advantageous hydraulic
characteristics, certain limitations and design conditions are associated with its use. For example, gridded
systems are not permitted for dry pipe systems and double interlock preaction systems, because excessive
amounts of air can remain trapped in the system piping, which significantly delays water from reaching the
operating sprinklers. A single interlock or non-interlock preaction system is not subject to this requirement.

Types of Water Supply for Fire Protection Systems

Connection to Public Water Supply
Commonly referred to as a waterworks system, this is typically a connection to a water main at the street
level. These can be controlled or operated by a municipal or private water company. A connection to a
public water supply is acceptable only if a water flow test or other approved method determines that
volume exceeds peak demand. The pressure also needs to exceed the peak demand but that can be
increased by installing a fire pump. The water supply tested should represent the supply that might be
available at the time of a fire (in other words, at times of highest demand on the waterworks system and at
times of the lowest demand on the waterworks system). This is critical because public water supplies can
fluctuate widely from season to season and even within a 24-hour period. These can also be affected by
things such as drought, interruptions caused by flooding, or ice in winter. Some cities are also dropping
delivered system pressure as a means of water conservation. A system that is designed without taking into
account fluctuations in the water supply could result in insufficient pressures or over pressurization of the
system.
Tanks
Water storage tanks are tanks that supply water for water-based fire protection systems. Water tanks can
be used for several different scenarios but most commonly they are used where an adequate supply of
water is not available or reliable. There are several types of tanks that can be used as a water supply such
as gravity tanks, suction tanks, and pressure tanks.
Gravity tanks are elevated water tanks that utilize gravity to provide pressure. They might be capable of
providing the necessary pressure to operate a fire suppression system on their own, or they can be used to
provide water to a fire pump.
Suction tanks are mounted on the ground or below ground. Because of this they do not utilize elevation
as a primary means to increase the pressure. Suction tanks typically provide water to a fire pump, which
then boosts the pressure.
Pressure tanks contain both water and air under pressure. When a system is actuated, the pressurized air
pushes the water out of the tank. Because of this, a sufficient capacity of air must be available to
discharge the water from the tank at the necessary rate. Pressure tanks are rarely used because they are
typically no larger than 10,000 gallons (37,850 liters).
Penstock, Flume, River, Lake, Reservoir
Naturally occurring sources include penstocks, flumes, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Water supply sources
such as these must be arranged to avoid mud and sediment being introduced into the fire protection
system piping. These are thus required to include double removable screens or strainers on the water
piping intakes. Their reliability and ability to meet system demand must also be verified and potential
seasonal fluctuations taken into consideration.
Recycled or Reclaimed Water
There is an increased interest in using recycled or reclaimed water as a potential water supply for fire
protection systems, such as sprinkler systems, due to increased interest in green and sustainable water
usage, and changes in weather patterns that result in drought. The source of the water and the treatment
process (if any) must be analyzed to determine that any materials, chemicals, or contaminants in the water
will not be detrimental to the components of the sprinkler system it contacts.

Other Considerations

There are several other considerations that can help in the decision-making process of selecting an
appropriate water supply, including the following:

 Corrosion – It is important to make sure the water supply doesn’t have any corrosive properties
 Zebra Mussels/Microbiological Corrosion or other harmful animal life – These can severely limit
the flow of water though your system or affect access to the water supply.
 Dirty water - Mud and debris in the water will have a negative effect on the system.
 Pressure variances – It is important to ensure your system takes into consideration the possible
pressure variances caused by droughts, flooding, freezing, and usage of the water supply by
others.
 Automatic Water Supplies - Most water supplies are required to operate without human
intervention.
 Reliability - Water supplies need to be able to supply water at any time. Multiple water supplies
are not required but could increase the reliability of your water.

Backflow and BackFlow Prevention

Backflow is a term in plumbing for an unwanted flow of water in the reverse direction. It can be a serious
health risk for the contamination of potable water supplies with foul water.
Backflow prevention is a crucial part of fire protection and your company's safety. Backflow prevention
ensures your building's water remains pure, while preventing the risk of cross-contamination.Backflow
occurs when contaminated water flows in the opposite direction in a cross-contamination system. A cross-
contamination system is the system that connects water from a clean public water supply to a polluted or
contaminated water source. An example of a cross-contamination system is when domestic water, fire,
irrigation, boiler, or chilled water systems connect with either public or consumer water systems.

Why Do We Need Backflow Prevention?

According to Denver Water's article on backflow prevention, all commercial, industrial, domestic,
irrigation, and fire line services are required to have an approved backflow prevention assembly installed.
The reason backflow prevention is important when it comes to fire safety is because any water used to
fight fires, such as a fire sprinkler system, needs to be potable.

These prevention systems are a crucial part to preservation of clean water and preventing a health risk.
Without the installation of the device, the lives of those who drink from or use the system are at risk.
There has even been a case of an entire town's water source being contaminated due to the lack of a
backflow prevention system.

Alternative Fire Suppression Systems

Wet Chemical Systems

Wet Chemical fire suppression systems are typically pre-engineered based on typical hazards that are
presented in kitchen cooking line ups. Wet chemical suppression systems are required in kitchen cooking
areas where a type I hood is required by a mechanical code. The design and installation of wet chemical
systems is based on the requirements of UL 300, National Fire Protection Association 17a Standard for
Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, and the manufacture specifications. Contractors are typically
approved by the manufacture of the system to design and install the system based on pre-approved or pre-
engineered requirements found in the manufacture requirements.

Dry Chemical Systems

Dry Chemical fire suppression systems utilize a dry chemical which discharge through a series of pipe
and terminate in a nozzle. The systems can be classified as total flooding, local application, and can even
include hose-line based system. The systems can be found protection fuel pump islands, paint spray
booths, and may include special industrial processes. The systems are typically pre-engineered for the
hazard they will protect by the manufacture and tested by an approved listing company.

Foam Systems

Foam Systems are based on three applications: low, medium, and high expansion foam systems. During
the plan review process, the designer must evaluate the hazard and apply the appropriate type of system to
the hazard that will be protected. Similar to fire fighting foam the appropriate type of foam must be
applied to the anticipated fire.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems are useful in protecting against fire hazards when an inert,
electrically nonconductive, three-dimensional gas is essential or desirable and where clean up from the
agent must be minimal

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER TESTING MAINTENANCE

Fire sprinkler system maintenance and testing are also vital pieces of the overall process. A test is a more
involved physical check to make sure the fire sprinkler system not only looks like it’s functioning, but
actually works as it should. Routine sprinkler maintenance and repair are critical to keep your fire
sprinklers in good working condition. Be sure to do your research to find the best fire sprinkler
maintenance companies to ensure your business is safe.

Fire Sprinkler Testing Timeline:

Quarterly inspections, semi-annual, and annual fire sprinkler system testing and tagging must be
performed and documented by a licensed technician in accordance with NFPA25 and your AHJ.
Inspection tags for fire sprinkler systems must be current.

Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance Timeline:

Fire sprinkler system maintenance and testing is a vital step in the process that should never be skipped.
In fact, without proper fire sprinkler maintenance, your fire sprinkler system may appear in working order
and test okay once a year, but without lubrication, tightening of loose bolts, cleaning, and clearing lines,
your fire sprinklers may experience a shortened life span and may not work during a fire. Be sure to
follow the below sprinkler maintenance schedule to ensure your systems are working.

As needed: repair and maintain parts that appear questionable during visual inspections/testing.

Annually: lubricate control valves, clean interior of the pre-action/deluge valve and dry pipe valves;
repair/replace parts as needed.

Other: Examine systems for internal obstructions where conditions exist that could cause obstructed
piping. Correct if it has not been corrected or the condition is one that could result in future obstruction of
piping despite previous flushing procedures.
Fire sprinkler system should have regular maintenance tests to ensure the safety of those in the building.
Smaller-scale tests should be taken multiple times a year to make sure things are working correctly, and
at least once a year by a qualified technician. It is always important to track the performance of fire
sprinkler system and make sure the sprinkler heads are regularly cleaned to avoid any risk of system not
working in the event of a fire.
Portable fire extinguishers
 Portable fire extinguishers can put out or control a fire until professional help arrives. The discharge
time on most portable units is seconds only, so use portable units only on small fires or on fires in
their initial stage.

 Fire extinguishers are required to be placed in normal travel paths. These fire safety products must
also be located where they're visible at a glance. When installing fire extinguishers in your building,
they must be more than four inches off the ground and no higher than 5 feet. They should be installed
along hallways, in meeting rooms, near exit doors, and in other common locations.

Air-Pressurized Water Fire Extinguishers

APW stands for "air-pressurized water." APWs are large, silver extinguishers which are filled about two-
thirds of the way with ordinary tap water, then pressurized with normal air. In essence, an APW is just a
giant squirt gun. APWs stand about 2 feet tall and weigh approximately 25 pounds when full.

Carbon Dioxide extinguishers

Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are filled with non-flammable carbon dioxide gas under extreme pressure.
You can recognize a CO2 extinguisher by its hard horn and lack of pressure gauge. The pressure in the
cylinder is so great that when you use one of these extinguishers, bits of dry ice may shoot out the horn.

Smoke Control System

A smoke control system is a system that controls the movement of smoke and air in a building. It can be
made up of multiple different components and use several methods to achieve its design objective, which
is typically to maintain a tenable environment long enough for all occupants to egress the building
FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM
Fire Alarm System
A fire alarm system is a crucial component of building safety infrastructure designed to detect and warn
occupants about the presence of fire, smoke, or other emergencies. These systems typically consist of
various sensors, control panels, and notification devices strategically placed throughout a building.
Fire Alarm System Categories: Automatic vs. Manual Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems can be categorized into two types of commercial fire alarm systems:
 MANUAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: This is a fire alarm system that is manned and operated 24/7
by a person and the alerts will be made manually at the pull station.
 AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: Its definition is a fire alarm system that gets automatically
triggered by fire or smoke.
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
 TWO-WIRE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
A two-wire fire alarm is founded on the standard conventional system, however, it utilizes a two-wire
system. With this structure, the call points, detectors, and alarm devices are wired to two zone cables,
going back to the fire alarm control panel. This two-wire system allows for increased flexibility that also
has additional benefits like detector recognition and isolation.
 WIRELESS FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
With a wireless system, you'll have a fire alarm without cables connecting the detection device to the fire
alarm panel. This system relies on multi-frequency links for heightened functionality, maintaining signal
strength for constant protection. This system may be more expensive to purchase, but it's more flexible
and quicker to install. Plus, it doesn't have all the cabling of a wired system, making it great for properties
that don't allow wiring.
 CONVENTIONAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
A conventional fire alarm system is a 4-wire system that is frequently used in smaller properties. This
system divides space into different detection zones, with each wired to a dedicated circuit in a control
unit. This allows for multiple detectors in each zone, and in the case fire is detected, the panel shows what
zone the signal was triggered within. However, since it shares a zone, the location has to be checked out
in person to find the specific location of the fire, which is the reason why it's best for smaller spaces.
 ANALOGUE-ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Unlike conventional systems that share a detected fire based on the zone, analog-addressable systems
actually signal the specific detector that sensed smoke. Due to the specificity of this system, it's a reliable
choice for large, commercial properties that need more specific identification of a fire that may not be
readily visible or quick to locate within a zone.
 HYBRID FIRE ALARMS
Hybrid fire alarm systems are the perfect combination because they allow the hardwired and wireless
detection systems to work in harmony to create a more customized and efficient whole. In other words, if
something damages the wires of the conventional system the addressable system can come in as a reliable
backup.
 ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEMS
One of the more sensitive fire detection options you can choose from, an aspirating system can pick up on
extremely small fires much quicker than other systems. It does so with a fan that pulls in air from the
building, which then passes through a pipe system, and a detector that checks for any signs of potential
smoke particles.
Smoke Alarm System
A smoke alarm system, often referred to simply as a smoke detector or smoke alarm, is a vital component
of home and building safety infrastructure. It's designed specifically to detect the presence of smoke,
indicating a potential fire, and to alert occupants promptly.
Fire Detectors:
Smoke Detector
These sensors detect smoke particles in the air and trigger the alarm when smoke is present.
Types of Smoke Detectors:

 Ionization Smoke Detectors

>These detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air between two
electrically charged plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the ion flow, triggering
the alarm.
 Photoelectric Smoke Detectors
>Photoelectric smoke detectors use a light source and a photocell. When smoke enters the
chamber, it scatters the light, which is then detected by the photocell, triggering the alarm.
 Air-Sampling Smoke Detectors
>Air sampling smoke detectors are ideal for environments where early detection of smoke is
critical, such as data centers, server rooms, museums, and archives. They offer highly sensitive
detection capabilities and are often used in high-value or mission-critical facilities.

Heat Detectors
Activate the alarm when they sense a rapid rise in temperature, indicating a fire.
Type of Heat Detectors:

 Fixed temperature Heat Detectors

>These detectors activate when the temperature exceeds a specific set point. Once the
temperature crosses this threshold, the detector triggers an alarm.
 Rate-of-Rise Heat Detectors
>Rate-of-rise detectors respond to rapid increases in temperature rather than a specific
temperature threshold. They trigger an alarm if the temperature rises at a rate higher than a
predetermined value within a specified period.
Flame Detectors
Flame detectors are specialized devices used in fire detection systems to detect the presence of flames.
Unlike smoke detectors or heat detectors, which respond to the products of combustion (smoke or heat),
flame detectors are specifically designed to identify the unique characteristics of flames.

Manual Pull Stations

Manual pull stations, also known as manual fire alarm stations or pull boxes, are devices designed to
allow individuals to manually activate a building's fire alarm system in case of an emergency.

Alarms
Alarms play a crucial role in alerting individuals to potential dangers or emergencies, including fires,
intrusions, and other hazardous situations. They are designed to produce audible, visual, or tactile signals
to attract attention and prompt appropriate responses from those nearby.

Emergency Voice
Emergency voice systems, also known as emergency voice communication systems (EVCS) or
emergency voice alarm communication systems (EVACS), are specialized communication systems
designed to provide clear and concise voice messages during emergency situations.

Fire Detention And Alarm System

These systems are essential components of building safety infrastructure designed to detect and warn
occupants about the presence of fire, smoke, or other emergencies.

Fire Code
FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDING
Fire Protection Problems on Tall Buildings are:
1. Too high to be completely accessible to fire fight-ing equipment from the ground
2. Too high to make a complete evacuation of the occupants
3. Tall enough to make possible chimney for air and smoke passage.
RA 9514 THE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations
Revised 2019
The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9514, commonly referred to as the Fire Code of
the Philippines, serves as the basis that guides the Bureau of Fire Protection in enforcing the law to
maintain public safety and economic development by preventing and suppressing all types of damaging
fires.

The National Fire Protection Association maintained a comprehensive set of standard rules in planning to
minimize fire hazard.The guidelines include the equipment design for fire fighting which is mandatory
The Fire Code on the other hand, considers the building density in the locality and the flammability of the
structures and its contents. It also imposes the following requirements:
1.Fire resistance of the building and its contents
2. Limitation of volume to adjacent vulnerable buildings
3. Exits and fire tower stairs
4. Protection against defective electrical system
5.Lightning protection
6. Detection and alarm systems
7. Automatic sprinkler systems
8. Standpipe and hose systems
9.Automatic smoke and heat venting
10.Smoke and heat shafts
11.Control of air conditioning ducts
12.Communication in high rise buildings
13. Elevator control
14.Fire command station in tall buildings